Legislature Passes Bill Targeting Childhood Obesity

“A bill to restrict the sale of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium snacks in schools has hit Governor Deval Patrick’s desk and could be law within 10 days. The legislation, meant to limit childhood obesity, cleared its final procedural votes yesterday. Under the bill, schools would be encouraged to sell nonfried fruit and vegetables, whole grain products, nonfat or low-fat dairy products, noncarbonated water, and juice with no additives. The bill would require plain water to be available to students all day at no cost. The legislation also encourages schools to join with local sellers of produce and seafood to cut costs and boost the Massachusetts economy. The guidelines on foods that schools may sell...

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/07/23/legislature_passes_bill_targeting_childhood_obesity